Mining-machine.



W. F. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.20,19OG. RENEWED MAR.1,1912.

Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET L.

W. F. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE.

IOATION FILED SEPT.20.19OG, RENEWED MAR. 16, 1912.

APPL

mmm

51g); uses 1, /0 man fi' W. F. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. RENEWED MAR. 10, 1912 Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

witnesses W. P. TROTTEB.

MINING MACHINE. v APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. RENEWED MAR. 16, 1912. 1,127,700,

Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 $HEBTS-SHEBT 4.

W. P. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 20, 1906. RENEWED MAR. 16, 1912.

W. F; TROTTE'R.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION 1711,31) SEPT. 20, 1906. RENEWED MAR. 16, 1912.

Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 SHEETSSHEET 6.

El/Witnesses,

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0 1 l0 W O WALTER'F. rnorr'nn; or CHARLESTON, wnsr VIRGINIA, AssieNon 'BY MESNE ASSIGN- mnn'rs, TO THE JEFFREY MAuUrAc'ranrNecoMPANY, A CORPORATION or 01110;

nrniue-maoninn.

Specification of Letters Patent. I I F 6b. 9, 1915- -Application filed September 2D. 1906, Serial No. 335,453. Renewed March 16. 1912. Serial No. 684,224.

To all ab/rum it may concern I Belt known that I, Wanna F. TRo'rTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Charleston. in the county of Kanawha and State of \Vest Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Minwith flexible draft devices adapted to propel the machine. along the face of the coal and to guide it or hold it to its Work. In some cases cables ivere to be used as the flexible draft and holding members, and in other cases the functions of propelling and guiding the machine u ere to he performed by chains in connection with sprocket mechanisms or the like on the machines adapted to engage positively and rigidly with the chains. In one form of these lattermachines, for example, a single continuous chain'is provided having one end fixed to an anchor or the like in ada'alice of the machine and its other end fixed to an anchoring device on the rear side of the machine. While intermediate its ends the .tion with the drawings.

Figure 1 is a planviev: of a. mining machine eml'iodying my im novements. Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2-2. Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side elevationof the same. a part of the cutter frame being broken away. Figs. and'a are sections oi'rtheline -14:, Fig. Fig. 5 isasection'on the line 55. Fig. Fig. 6 is a section on the linef66, Fig. Fig". 7 is a plan View of the inner portion of the cutter carrier and the guiding mechanism for feeding it transversely to the coal face. Fig '8 is a section. on the line 88,

Fig. 7, the adjustable jack being removed.-

Fig. 9 1s a view partly in elevation and partly in section of the jack stand and jack. Fig. 10 is aplan view showing the mining machine arranged to feed transversely to the coal face at the beginning of a cut. Fig.

11 is a-planview showing the mining ma-- chine and 1ts operating parts arranged to' feed laterally along the coal face.

For the purpose of illustration I have shown in the drawing a mining machine of which-rrindicates the main frame as an entirety. 'B thecutting apparatus extendin from the inner end thereof and supporte thereby, C the feeding and guiding mechanism for advancing the cutting apparatus and machine either longitudinally or laterally, D the motor mechanism, and E the auxiliary parts employed v'vhen it is desired to have the cutting apparatus advanced into the coal transversely to the face thereof.

The main frame may be of any suitable construction as far as some features of my invention are concerned, but, for reasons which will later appear, I prefer a construction of the character shown. This construcdinal side bars.

i, 4t are vvebs or plates depending from the platform 3.and carrying at their lower ends the laterally turned longitudinally extending cutting apparatus guides 5, 5.

The main frame thus constructed constitutes a box which is closed on all sides ex' ceptthe inner and outer ends. It will be observed onreference to Figs. 3 and -that the platform 3 extends at its outer end beyondthe bottom plateor shoe 1 and that the side plates 2 are correspondingly cutaway. "In

other Words, the outer end of'the upper platform part of the main frame overhangs considerably. .1 T

; The cutting apparatus 'comprises'a longitudinally arranged horizontally" disposed base plate 6, two. longitudinally arranged horizontally disposed guide plates 'l', above said base plate and spaced therefrom by the longitudinally arranged bars 8 so as'to form a chain guide or recess 9, the parts just referred to being secured together in any suit; able manner, as by rivets 10.

11 is an inner sprocket wheel mounted upon a vertical axle 11, and between the inner end of the base plate 6 and a top plate 12 suitably secured to the base plate and having an outwardly extending centrally arranged part 12 fitted snugly between the top bars 7, 7 of the chain frame.

The motor D is suitably secured upon the platform 3 with its armature shaft 13 arranged longitudinally of the machine.

14 is a longitudinally arranged shaft, preferably having its axis in the vertical longitudinal plane of the axis of the chain frame. It is suitably mounted at either end in bearings 14, 14, one of which is carried by a bearing standard 14 suitably secured to the platform 3. The inner standard 14 extends transversely of the machine in either direction from the shaft 14 for the purpose to be hereinafter described.

15 is a spur. gear rigidly secured to the shaft 14 and meshing with a pinionlfi secured tothe inner end of the armatureshaft 13.

17 is a bevel pinion loosely mounted on the shaft 14 nearthe outer end thereof.

. 18 indicates a positive clutch interposed between the said shaft 14 and the bevel pinion 17, the longitudinally stationary element 18 of said clutch being secured to the said bevel pinion and the longitudinally movable element 18? being applied to the shaft. Y

18 indicates suitable mechanism for moving the element 18* of-the clutch in either direction. i

' 19 is a vertically disposed shaft suitably mounted in bearings carried by the main frame of the machine and having its axis in the vertical plane containing the axis of the shaft 14. 20 is a bevel gear secured to the upper end of the said vertical shaft and in mesh with the bevel pinion 17.

21 is a sprocket drive wheel rigidly secured a to the lower end of the verticalshaft 19.

'22 indicates as an entirety an endless cut-' ter chain 'or carrier extending around the sprocket drive wheel 21 and the inner sprocket 11 carried by the cutter frame, it

being arranged at either side within the g uides 9 of the said cutter frame and carrying laterally extending cutters 23 of any suitable construction. The cutter frame is supported from the maih frame by the longitudinally arranged slides or guides 5 depending from' the main frame andarranged to fit snugly between thebase plate and the upper plate of the chain frame. The main frame and the chain frame are normally held from longitudinal movement relative to each other by mechanism'indisated as an. entirety by'24, which also serves as an adjusting means for moving the frames relative to each other to vary the tension upon the cutter chain. The ad justing mechanism;24 comprises a 'longituceive a suitable wrench for I turning the;

shaft in either direction so as to extend the chain frame relative to the main frame orv to 'foreeit in the opposite direction relatively thereto, as desired.

28 15a worm gear rigi inner end thereof and between the bearing standard 14 and the gear wheel 15 secure to the said shaft. 29 is a shaft arranged dly secured to the longitudinally arranged shaft 14 nearthe.

beneath the said shaft '14 and transversely ofthe main frame- It is suitably mounted;

in a bearing29 secured to the" platform of the said frame.

28 on the shaft 14.

31 is a worm rigidly secured to the outside end of the shaft-29.

32 is a longitudinally arranged shaft mounted near either end of the bearings 32', 32, carried by bearing standards 14 and 32, the latter-being arranged parallel to 30 is a worm wheel se-f cured to the inside end of the said trans-: verse shaft 29 andin me'sh with the worm the former and of substantially the same width and secured to the platform of the main frame. The axis of this shaft 32 is in a vertical longitudinal plane on -the o po-. site side of the vertical" longitudinal p ane of the axis of the'shaft 14 from armature shaft 13. I I

v is a worm wheel rigidly secured to the outer end of theshaft 32 'and in mesh with the worm-31 on the transverse shaft 29. 34 is a spur'gear loosely mounted upon the shaft 32 adjacent to the bearing standard 14, and 35 isa gearwheel ofgreater diameter than the gearwh'eel 34 and loosely mounted upon the said shaft 32 adjacent to the bearing standard 32.

36 indicates as an entirety clutch mecha- Lnism for alternately connecting the gears 34 and35 to theshaft 32. Of this clutch mechanism 36' indicates a longitudinally movable element splinedto the shaft 32 and carrying at one end clutch.jaws 36 adapted to engage clutch jaws 3.6 secured to the gear wheel 35 and at its other end clutch jaws 36. adapted to engage with the clutch jaws 36 carried by the gear wheel 34.

37 indicates as an entirety-suitable mech iao anism for shiftingitheinovable element-i 36 of the clutch in either direction at will;

338 is 'a longitudinally, arranged drum I shaft'suitably mounted near-either end in bearings 387, 38, in the hearing standards 14? and 32*- respectively. The axis of thisv shaft 18 on-the opposite sideiof the vertical 1: planeicontaining thehaxisi of the shaft 14: I from the axis of the shaft 32. t i

is a gear wheel rigidly secured to the sl 'aft '38 near one end thereof and in mesh W1th,; the gear-whcelfii on the shaft 32, and

;=; 40. isajgear wheelof smaller diameter than the gear wheel-'39 vand rigidly secured :near the'opposlte end of the shaft 38 and in mesh with the gear Wheel35 on the shaft =41 is a'cable winding drum loosely mounted ontthe' shaft 38 and preferably adjacent to the gear wheel'4c0 at the inner end there oe-frhe periphery of the cable drum may be spirally-grooved as indicated at &1 to

assistin the spooling uponit of a draft cable which has one end suitably fastened to said drum. The drum is preferably connected to the shaft 38 by means of a frictio'n' clutch 41 one element of which isa ring or casing 41 carried bythe drum and extending outwardly therefrom, and the v the rim at saidslots and adapted to force th'periphe ry of the rim into engagement with the inner walls of the ring ll in the Well known manner;" By varying the adjustment of the exp'anders'the clutch can be made to slip when the resistance to the rotation of the winding drum reaches any given amo nt.

42 is a bearing bracket secured tothe side plate 2 adjacent to the drum 41. 42 is'a longitudinally arranged shaft suitably supported by the laterally extending arm .42?

of the said bracket. 43 's a verticallv J disposed idler pulley on the shaft Bf.

44 is a horizontally disposed idler guide wheel on a? vertically arranged shaft 44 suitably mounted near the inner end of the main frame on the opposite side thereof K fromthe idler pulley 4:3.

45 is aswingable arm pivotally mounted at its inner end to the platform of the main frame on, a yertical pivot 4 5'. At its outer end it is offsetyertically as indicated at 45 to receive a horizontally disposed idler 51 guid'egig ntgdon a vertically arranged pivot"QWwh-ichoOnnects the front end of the arm 45 "with"the front end of a 'bar or platefl therear endz'of which is rigidly secured screws, l7; 473% the arm 48is an adjusting shaft or rod for the swingable arm 4-5, having its inner end con nected to the said arm by a universal joint ea; attenuatin j a .cable extends from; the top of said. drum downward around the idler guide 43 and then forward as indicated at 50" and around a horizontally disposed idler guide Wheel 51 pivotally mounted in a jack 52 secured inposition adjacent to the coal face at the end of the cut to be made. From the said idler guiderwheelol the-cable is carried rearwardly,-as indicatecLat 520?, closely adjacent to the coal-face and along the innerend of the main frame of the mining m achine, thence around the idler guides Maud 4C6 thereon, as indicated at '50? and then rearward again,- as indicated at 50%; and has its rear end secured toa rear jack 53,. suitably held in position nearthe coal face. With the cable thusarranged rotation of the drum 41, by creating-tensionin the cable", causes the machine to'be advanced along the face,- the cutters simultaneously undercutting the coal" 'uDuring such operation the cable serves --also,- int-a manner which will later be described, to guide the machine and maintain it in suitableworking relation to thecoalfacew y In longwall mining an undercut is usually easily started at a free faceybut-in room and pillar work. an entering or sumping, cut must be made in order to get the cutting apparatus under the coal, thisentering out being made adjacent one or the other of the ribs constitutingthe side walls of theroom. With my improved machine the sumping cut is made byfeeding the machine bodily longitudinally forward so as to project the cutting apparatus into the coal. The side cutting machines heretofore proposed for room and pillar work have been open to serious objection in connection with the making of the sumping cut. Either there was no adequate provision for effecting'the sumping cut or, inthe case of other machines, this entering cut could be effected only by'the'use of a large, heavy and cumsuitably bersome pan or frame designedv to support the entire machine and" guide it while it was forced endwise" toward the coal facein much the same manner as the main frame of a"breast machine supports and guides its cutter-frame and carriage. It is my'pur pose to do away with the heavy and cumbersome supporting frame and l have, accordiso than frame of my main 1y designed the g on the floor of the chme to work dii'ectl mine, and-have provided light and easily illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10. 54 is a base plate of the said jack stand adapted to rest upon the floor of the mine closely. adjacent to the coal face and at an angle thereto,

as shown. Near either end of this base plate is a pair of upwardly extending arms or lugs 55 supportmg between them a shaft or pivot 56 with its axis arrahgedlongitudinally of the base plate.

57 indicates the jack proper comprising a shank or bar 57 forked at its lower end as indicated at 57, the ends of each arm of said fork being recessed as indicated at 57" to fit over one of the shafts 56 on the base plate. The upper end of the jack shank is screw threaded at 57 .to receive a screw threaded hand adjusting wheel 58.

59 is apointed head forthe jack swiveled on the up er end of the .jack 57 and bearing against e upper face of the hub of the wheel 58by means of which it isadjusted longitudinally of t e shank.

54' is an arm or plate extending laterally from the base plate, 54 and carrying the upright bracket zi-l which at its upper end is bifurcated as indicated at 54 to receive one end of a swinging arm 60, which is pivotally I connected to the upright 54 by means of a bolt 60'. At its free end the arm 60 has pivotally connected to and depending from it a slide 61 which is longitudinally grooyed at either side to receive the adjacent longitudinal guide bars l2 on the chain frame. These guide bars 12 are rigidly secured in position by means of bolts 12 screw-threaded into inwardly projecting lugs 12 carried by the base plate 6 of the chain frame. The slide 61 may be introduced into position within the said top plate at the ends of the guides 12 adjacent the main frame. The slidable connection between the slide 61 and the cutter frame permits the longitudinal movement of the cutter frame relative to the slide while tending to prevent the lateral movement in either direction of the cutter frame relative to the base plate 54. It will thus be seenthat when the jack stand is securely fastened in position by means of the jack 57, the cutter frame may be caused to travel forward in a substantially straight When the slide 61 reaches the ends of Then the adjacent to the face of the coal. The combined jack and cutter frame guide E is then clamped securely in position on the left 'hand side of the cutter frame near the end thereof, as indicated in Fig. 10, the slide 61 having been introduced into top plate of the said frame.

next carried inward from the drum 41 along the side'of; the machine to the inner end of the jack frame and pivotally connected thereto, as indicated at 62, a suitable idler guide 63 serving .to direct the course of the cable from thedrum toward the said jack stand. This idler guide 63 isfmounted on a journal 64 carried by a U -shaped bracket 65 which is pivotally mounted on a longitudinal shaft 66 carried by lugs 67,67, projectdetached by removing the shaft 66, whenever it is not desired to use the idler guide 63.

The motor having been started, the .cut-

ting apparatus and the slowrfeed gearing of the winding drum are then connected to the motor by clutches 18' and 36 respectively. The drum 41 winds up on the cable and pulls the main frame of the machine toward the coal face, the cutting apparatus simultaneously undercutting the coal. The cutter frame guiding mechanism tends'to insure that the cutting apparatus will'bemoved, inward in a substantially .straight line. slide 61 reaches the endsof the guides 12" it is withdrawn therefrom and the machine will feed inward without further guiding. The sumping out having been completed, the machine is stopped, the guide jack E and the idler guide'63'moved, and the cable 50vextended to the far rib and around the fixed guide sheave 51, thence back .to the machine where it is passed around guides 44 and 46 and thence rearward to the jack' 53. See Fig. 11. The motor is now started and clutches 18 and 36 closed so as to drive'the cutters and the winding drum 41. Ordinarily the'winding drum is driven through the low speed gearing when the cutters are at work, the high speed gearing being used whenthe propellingcable is employed simply to move the machine about in the room. The rotation of the winding drum 41 creates tensionin the cable 50 tending to advance the machine along the face of the coal. Under the action of this forward draft, the

outer end of the machine tends to swing forward relative to the cutter frame because of the resistance which the .coal offers to the advance of the cutters. This tendency, howits guidein the v The cable 50 is menace g I ever, is overcome and the machine is main talned'm prope'r working position 'IGlfttl'v'fi t faceofthe'coal by the rear cable sec tio'n50 which draws between the. guide t d V 1E 3, l tl e l 32iantl. thus xe s fl t 'dingj draft on the outer part of the machine. I

I l tlwill 'be ob s'erved that the machineas an;

I I is 'subje cted to the action of three main forces 2.,fthe' rearward reaction of the coal on the cutter frame, the forward draft of' the cable sections 50 and 5O on the inner end o'f'theinain frame, and the rear Ward oit thebable section 50 on the outer partof the main frame. Under the actioirot these; forces the machine tends, whenfzthe forces are not balanced, to sw ng aboutfa point attlie inner end of the frameat"which the resultantdraft of cable sections 5 O"and 50 is applied. As the machine ad ances alongthe -face 0f the coal the cable section 50 is wound up on drum 41; While the cable sections 50 and 50 remain extended along the face and serve as a guide to holdthe machine up to its Work, the rear section 50 exerting a rearward draftonthe outer part of the machine which prevents theouterend of the machine from advanc ing more rapidly than the inner end. Thus, it will be seen, the propelling and guiding mechanism is a'daptedto maintain the machine at a given angle to the face as the undercut proceeds; 'At the same time, it 1S pcssiblejto readilychange'the angle of the machine to the face of the coal Whenever this is desirable because of the varying character of thef material being cut, the conformation ofthe mine floor or the coal face,

etc.,itorex ample, in case the cutters encounter a streak ofiharder coal or of hard impuritiesin thecoal, it may be desirable to angle the cutter banforward and maintain the machine thus inclined while cutting through such streak. Any such swinging of the machine can readily be effected as the machine advances by simply turning the screw 48. so as, to swine the arm 45. To

angle the cutter frame forward the arm 45 is swung outward; This acts to shorten the cablesec'tionbOand to cause a corresponding relatlverearward movement of the outer end of the machine. Such an adjustment of r the arm 45' also increases thelererage with ujhich the draft of the retarding, cable acts on the machinebecause it moves the guide sheave i6, nearer, the outer. endof the ma-. chine and carries the line l f dra ft of the cable section 510? farther from the guide sheared? about iyhich th e machine tendsito s ring. 1 Obviously such an "increasedl leven age is advantageous when the cutters are encountering Tani-increased resistance If the arml5 isswu'ng inward itis'cle ar that the cable section 50 will be lengthened, a1- lowing the outer' end of the machine to such increased resistance,

swing forward, and that the leverage with which vtheretarding draft of saidcable section applied to the machine Wlll bQ decreased. H a c a a llhile, in the construction illustratemthe means for angling the machine presents bother the above eti'e'cts, viz., the variation in the effective length of'the rear cable sectionand the variation in the leverage of.- said cable section on the machine, it will be understood that there is no essential relation between the two effects, it being ob viously possible to vary the eilecti e length ofthe'rear cable s'ectionwithout varying its level-a on the machine. In any case how ever, the angling of the machine is found to be characterized by variation, relative to the; machine, of the lines along which the cable stresses are exerted on it." V t l-Vhen it is desirable to do so, the swinging movement of the machine can be effected periodically first in one direction, then in the other, so that the machine is given an oscillatoty movement as it ad ancesalong the face. Such a handling of the machine 96 is somet mes advantageous when'thecoal carries impurities in the form of "hard nodulesg since the oscillatory mo emenhby changing the line of attack of the cutters, tends to loosen such impurities. I have referred above to the propelling and guiding mechanism as adapted to main-7 tain the machine at a given angle to the face. Under some conditions however, as for example, when impurities of great 1 0 density and hardness are encountered by the v cutters, it is desirable that the machine hate greater flexibility in its movement; When the cutters meet abnormally great resistance, there is danger'of breakage of some par-tor parts of the machine if the mocha nisin is such that annnvarying mo ement of the machine is necessary regardless of the resistance encountered; vIn the caseof my improved machine the propelling reel 41 is driven from the motor through the friction clutch 41 which can beset to slip when the tension in the draft cable 50 reaches any amount determined upon. Therefore, when the cutters encounter an abnormally high resistance due to hard impurities or the like,

if "sutliciently great, Will result in slippage between the parts of the friction clutch 4:1 so that the I Winding reel 41 is driven at'a slower speed. Thus, the advance of the'machine is retarded and the cutters are given an opportunity to cut through the harder material. v H In v all of the advancing and swinging Z movements of themachine itis free to slide in any direction overthe floor of the mine, I and in usual practice, if the mine floor is soft or uneven,- this free movement of the machine is facilitated by the use of flat skids such as have been known and used formally 12o 25, under" such conditions.

' years in the moving and adjusting of mining --".advance and, by affording a hard smobth surface for the main frame, greatly'facilitate the movement of the machine.

1 It will be understood that the friction clutch 41 can be set to give way under any stress within a reasonable range so that the machine can be made to cut through minor impurities or hard streaks without slippage occurring. In some deposits of coal, im-

purities are encountered which are of such great density and hardness or so extensive that .it is not desirable to attempt to cut through them. In some such cases it is possible' to carry the undercut over or under the obstruction, in the manner which has been commonly followed heretofore in the using of side cutting mining machines, and my improved machine is well adapted to work encountered, it may be found possible to such machines,

back the machine off along the face to a suitable distance from the obstruction and thenby blocking up the skids, which, as previously noted are commonly ,used with the cutters may be guided in an upwardly inclined path over the obstruction and then gradually downward again to the normal level.

Reference has already been made to the box-like construction of the main frame of the' machine. This I regard as afeature of much practical importance. During the cutting operation the fine coal or slack which is formed is dragged out of the kerf the cutters and must be handled or disosed of in .such a way as not to clog or interfere with the cutters or other working parts of-the machine. In my improved construction this fine coal is drawn into and outward through the box-like main frame to the outer end of the machine by cutters. There. as the cutter chain rounds the. driving sprocket wheel, the fine material falls either quite clear of the machine as it advances, or, if it is not delivered entirely clear of the machine, it is possible for the machine runner or his helper to readily shovel it away because the cutting away of the side plates of the frame at the outer end thereof leaves a free space adjacent the driving sprocket wheel and beneath the upper platform part of the frame which permits ready and effective use of the shovel for the purpose stated. Furthermore, it will be observed that with the exception of the cutters and the sprocket wheel which drives them, all of the working parts-gears, winding drum, clutches, motor, etc.,are mounted above the upper platform part of the frame Thus, if a roll is the so. as to be fully protected from contamination with the fine coal or slack-which cannot rise and enter any of these working parts during its passage from the face outward to the point where it is delivered by the cutters free of the machine. In this connection it will'be observed that practically all of the gears, shafts and clutches constituting the driving 'mechanism are grouped compactly together on one part of the frame platform While the motor occupies another part. This arrangement of the motor and the driving gearing greatly facilitates the complete protection of the gearing from dust because itmakes it possible to inclose the gearing by means of a simple protecting casing.

In the foregoing description of the operation of the machine its use in room and pillar mining was considered, it will be obvious without further detailed description that the operation inmaking an under-cut along the face would be essentially the same in longwall mining. Ordinarily in longwall mining it is not necessary to make an entering or sumping cut because the cut can be started at a free face.

Referring to Figs.- 1, 2 and 5, have shown means by which power may be transmitted to gearing on a suitable mining machine truck upon which the mining machine may be mounted, said gearing being for the purpose of propelling the truck. This mechanism comprises a transversely arranged shaft 68 in axial alinement with the transverse shaft 29, the inside end of which latter shaft is fitted into a recess 68' in the inside end of the shaft 68. 69 is apositive clutch one element of which 69' is secured to the shaft 29 and the other element 69 is carried by the inside end of the shaft 68.- The shaft 68 is suitably supported on a gearing 70 secured to themain frame. is a sprocket wheel rigidly secured to "the outside end of the shaft 68 and adapted to be connected with the propelling mechanism on the mining machine truck. 'When not required in use the shaft 68 may be removed from the machine by drawing it longitudinally out from the bearing 70.

When the machine is to be moved from wound up on reel 41 so that the machine is reduced to a compact form which can be conveniently handled and moved about. In the case of prior machines in which loose ended chains or cables are employed, great inconvenience has been experienced in handling the machines when they were to be moved about in the mine, but in the case of my machine this inconvenience is obviated.

While, in the preferred form of construe tion which I have shown and described,-the forward or propelling section of cable and. the rearward or retarding'section of cable form parts of a single continuous cable, ,it is to be understood that my invention in re spect to some of its features, and especially in respect to the means for varying the respective lines of drafton the inner and outer ports of the main frame of the new chine, is not limited to the use of a contiimoiis cable, nor even to the use of :1- cable system in which the forward draft section and the rearward draft section are operstively connected' in other Words, I believe myself to be the first to provide a mschine of the class in question having any kind of apropelligig and guiding cable system presenting a. section of cable arranged to exert a. forward draft on the inner part of the main frame of the machine, and a section of cable arranged to exert a rearward draft on the outer partcf the main frame,

together with means, mounted on the machine, .for varying with relation to the machine the lines along which the drafts of sold sections of cable are exerted thereon.

Furthermore, While I have shown and prefer to use cable as the flexible draft means of my machine, I do not thereby intend to limit the scope of my invention to the use of cable where the advantages of my improvements cenbe reslized in some degree by the use of other known flexible draft means' And While I have shown and described a particular form ofwindiog drum for the cable, such disclosure is to taken es merely illustrative end the terms wind ing drum and Winding device are to be c understood as standing for any suitable de' rice for creating in the cable 2. tension adopted to propel the niscliino over the mine floor.

What I claim is:

1. In a mining machine of the class do v scribed, the combination with the main frame, cutting apparatus projecting inward therefrom. the motor and the gearing thereon all adopted for undercutting cool while moving on lines along the face of the cool. of a. feed and guide mechanism com prising a cable-Winding device on the frame, a cable system having :1 forward extending section connected with the cablewvi'nding device and adapted to co'clperete with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a. forward pulling stress on. the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and a. rearward extending; section adapt-ed.

to coijperate with anchoring means behind the machine to exert a rearward stress on theme-in frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward stress thereon, and mammlly controllable devices on the main frame adapted to vary in relation to the machine the lines along which the cable stresses are exerted thereon.

2. In a. mining machine of the class de scribed. the combination with. the main the'cutting apparatus projecting in- Ward therefrom, the motor and gearing thereon, all adapted for undercutting coal while moving on lines along the face of the cool, of a feed and guide mechanism comprising cable-winding device on the frame, e. cable system having a forward extending section connected with the said cable-Wind ing device and adapted to cooperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a. forward draft on the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and a. rearward extending section adapted to cooperzite with anchoring means behind the machine toexert arearward draft on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward draft thereon. and means for adjusting the second, or outer point of draft inward and outward. to Qvsry the guiding action of the cable system.

In a mining machine of the class described, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, mechanism for feeding and guiding the machine along the face of the material to be cut, the said mechanism comprising a. cable-Winding device on the frame, a. cslole section engaging the Winding device and arranged to extend forward to a suitable anchor in front of the machine, a length of cable arranged to extend from such front anchor to a point of draft on the inner end of the main frame, thence out- Ward to a second pointof draft on said frame and thence rearward to a suitable anchor behind the machine and'mea'ns for listing the said. second point of draft inward and outward tovary the guiding action of the mechanism.

4. In a mining machine, the combination of a. main frame, cutting apparatus project ing from the inner end thereof, and a mechanism for feeding and guiding the machine along the face of the material to he cut. said mechanism comprising a winding drum on the main frame, a cable attached to said drum and arranged to extend from the inner end of the machine to a suitable anchor in front of the machine. thence rearward to a point ofdraft on the inner end of the main frame. thence outward to a second point of draft on said frame and thence rearward to c suitable anchor behind the machine, and means for adjusting the said second point of draft inward and outward to vary the guiding action of the mechanism.

In a mining machine, the combination of'a main frame. a cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, a motor. a winding drum mounted on said frame. power transmitting mechanism interposed between said motor and said winding drum. :1 pair of idler guide wheels mounted upon vertical axes on said main frsme,'and arranged one nearer the inner end of said frame than the other, one of said idler guide Wheels being adjustable toward and from the other one, a flexible draft device having one end secured to said winding drum and arranged to extend thence forward around a suitable anchor in front of the machine, then rearward and around the said idler guide wheels'on the main frame and thence to a suitable anchor behind the machine,

between saidmotor and said winding drum,

-. a pairofidler guide-wheels mounted upon vertical axes: on the mainframe and arranged one-nearer the inner end of sa d frame than the other, the outer one of said idler guide wheels being adjustable toward and away. fromthe inner one, a -flexible draft device having one end secured to said windingy'drum and arranged to extend thence forward around a suitable anchor in front of the machine, thence rearward around said idler guide wheels on the main frame and thence rearward to a suitable rear anchor to which its rear end is secured, the tension on the flexible draft device applied through the leverage on said. frame provided bysaid idler guide, wheels servf ing to hold themachine to its work.

7. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, a'cutting apparatus pro-5 jectingfrom the inner end thereof, a meter,- a winding drum mounted on said frame,

power transmitting mechanism interposed between said motor and said winding drum, a pair of idler guide wheels'mounted upon vertical axes on; the main frame and ar-.

ranged one nearer-the inner end of said frame than the other, the outer one of said idler guide wheels being arranged to swing about a vertical axis toward or away from the inner one, a flexibleidraft device having a one end secured to said winding. drum and arranged to extend thence forward around a suitable anchor in. front of the machine,

thence rearward around said idler 'guide. wheels on the main-frame and thence rearward toa suitable rearanchor to which its rear end is secured, the tension on theflexible draft device applied through the leverage on said frame provided by said idler wheels serving to hold the -machine to its work.

8. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus pro'-.

jecting from the. inner end thereof, and a mechanism; for feeding and guiding the aavgioo machine along the face of 'the material to be cut, said mechanism comprising a; hori- 'zontally arranged. guide wheel on the inner end of the main frame, a horizontally swingable arm-having one end pivoted in' said 'frame and its other end disposed outward from the aforesaid guide wheel, a second horizontally arranged guide wheel onthe free end ofthe swingable arm, means for swinging said arm and holding .it in adjusted position, a winding drum on the main frame, a cable engaging said .drum and arranged to extend forward; therefromto a suitable "anchor in front of the machine, thence rearward to the inne'r guide wheel on the machine, thence'to the outer guide wheel and thence to a suitable anchor behind the machine.

9. In a mining machine, the combination of a'main frame, arcutting apparatus projecting from the inner, endthereof,"-a motor, a winding drum mounted on the main frame near the inner end thereof, power transmit ting mechanism interposed between said motor and said winding drum, an idler the rear side inner end thereof, anotheridler. guide wheel mounted on a vertical axis on. the-same side of the machine aslthesaid first idler guide guide wheel mounted. on a vertical, axis on the' main 'frame gnear the wheel and outwardtherefrom, and 'aiflexible" draft device having one end 'secu'red'to said. winding drum-andbeing arranged .to extend thence forward from said'drumaround :asuitable anchor in frontof the machine and then rearward and around the idler guide wheels on'the rear side of themachine and thence rearward; to a suitable rearanchor to which its rear end is secured. I

10. In a mining machine, the. combination of a main frame, a cutting apparatus projecting from the inner endthereof, a motor,- a winding drum mounted on "SELld frame near the inner end-thereof, power transmittingmechanism interposed between said motor and said winding drum, an idler guide Wheel mounted on'a vertical axis on the rear side of the main framenearthe inner'endthereof, another idler guide wheel mounted on a vertical axis on the same side of the machine asthe saidfir'st' idler guide 'wheel and outward therefrom and adapted to be moved forward and back relatively .thereto, and a flexible draft device having one end secured to s'aid'winding drum and arranged to extend forward'from said drum around a suitable anchor in front of the machine and then rearward'and around the idler guide wheels on the rear side of the machine and thence rearward'to a suitable rear anchor to which its rear end is secured.

I 11'. In a mining machine of the class,described, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, and mechanism for feeding Sid and guiding the machine along the material to be out, said mechanism comprising a cable-Winding device on the frame, a cable system having a forward extending section connected with the said cable-winding device and adapted to coiiperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and having a rearward extending section connected with the forward section and adapted to cooperate with anchoring means behind the machine to exert a rearward stress on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward stress thereon, and guide devices on the frame for the cable comprising an adjustable sheave adapted When adjusted to vary the length of the rearward extending cable section between its point of draft on the machine and the rear anchor.

12. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination of a main frame having a bottom part permanently, rigidly united to the other frame parts and adapted in operation to rest directly on and slide over the mine floor, a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and projecting from the inner end thereof, an endless cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, propolling means adapted tobodily slide the machine endwise on the mine floor transversely to the coal face to initially advance the cutters under the coal, and guide devices operable, While the machine slides as aforesaid on the mine floor, to resist swinging of he machine in relationto the coal face.

13, In a mining machine of the class described, the combination of a main frame adapted to rest on the floor of the mine, a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and projecting from the inner end thereof, an endless cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, propelling means adapted to bodily slide the machine endwise on the mine floor transversely to the coal face to initially advance the cutters under the coal, and means for guiding the machine in its endwise movement, said means being constructed to engage the cutter frame and being adapted to be fixed against movement on lines transverse to the cutter frame.

14. In a mining machine of the class de scribed, the combination of a mainframe, cutting apparatus comprising a cutterframe rigid with the main frame and prqectmg from the inner end thereof and a cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, means for bodily propelling the machine transversely to the face of the material to be cut to initially advance the cutters under said material, and a guide device adapted to guide the cutting app aratus: at the begin ning of the undercutting, said device having one end adapted to be secured against movement along the face said mat and its other end having slidable cor v. tion with the said cutter frame.

15. In a mining machine of the scribed, the combination of a main fra-m cutting apparatus projecting from the in end of the main frame, said apparatus cons prising a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and formed with a longitudinally tending guide and a cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, a slide fitted to the said guide of the cutter frame, and a slide carrying arm having one end connected to said slide and its other end arranged to he rigidly secured against movement along the face of the material to be cut so as to guide the cutting apparatus at the beginning of the undercutting, and means for bodily pro polling the machine transversely to the face of the said material.

16. In a mining machine of the class scribed, the combination With a main frame,

'\ cutting apparatus comprising a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and projecting fromthe inner end thereof and a cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, and means for bodily propelling the machine transversely to the face of the material to be cut to initially advance the cutters under said material, of a cutting apparatus guide arm having at one end a slidable connection with said cutting apparatus and at its other end means for clamping it against move ment along the face of the said material so as to guide the cutting apparatus at the beginning of the undercutting.

17. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination with a main frame, cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, said apparatus comprising a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and a cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, and means including a flexible draft device for propelling the machine bodily transversely to the face of the material to be cut, of a jack stand adapted to be clamped securely in position adjacent the said face, means for securing the free end of said draft device to the jack stand, and a guide arm for the cutting apparatus having one end mounted on said jack stand and its other end slidably connected with the cutter frame.

18. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination of a mainframe, a cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, said apparatus comprising a cutter frame rigid with the main frame and a cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, means for bodily propelling the machine transversely of the coal face to initially advance the cutters under the coal, and a guiding'device for the cutting apparatus slidably connected with the cutter frame and adapted to be fixed against movement transverse to the lines of the machines advance. 7

'19. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination'of a main frame, a

cutter frame rigid with the main frame and projecting from the inner endthereof, an endless cutter chain mounted on the cutter frame, means for bodily propelling'the machine endwise transversely to the. coal face to initially advance' the cutters under the coal, and means adapted to be fixed against movement in a direction transverse to the cutter frame and to slidably engage therewith to guide the machine during the first part of the initial under-cutting.

20'. In a mining machine of the class described, the'combination of a main frame adapted to rest on the floor of the mine, a

slide the machine endwise on the mine floor transversely to the coal face to initially advance the cutters under the coal, and guide devices operable, while the machine slides aforesaid on the mine floor, to resist swinging of the machine in relation to the 7 coal face.

21. In a mining machine ofthe class described, the combination of a main frame,

cutting apparatus projecting from the inner-end thereof, and mechanism for feeding and guiding the machine along the material to be out, said mechanism comprising a ca- "bis-winding device on the frame, a cable s stem having a forward extending section connected with the said cable-winding device and adapted to coiiperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and having a rearward extending section connected with theforward section and adapted to coiiperate with anchoring meansbehind the machine to exert a rearward stress on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the midpoint of for ward stress thereon, said cable system presenting a continuous length of cable arranged to extend from the front anchoring means across the machine frame to the rear anchoring means, guide devices for said continuous length of cable comprising asheave on the'inner part of the frame and a second sheave disposed on the frame outward from the first sheave, and means on the machine for moving one of said sheaves toward and awayfrom the other.

22'. In a mining machine of the class de scribed, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, and mechanism for feeding and guiding the machine along the materialtobe out, said mechanism comprising a cable-winding device on the frame, a cable system having a forward extendingsection connected: with the said cable-winding device and adapted to coiiperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on the main frame .at a, point near the inner end thereof and having a rearward extending section connect'ed with the forward section and adapted to coiiperate with anchoring means hehind the machine to exert a rearward stress on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward stress thereon, said cable system presenting a continuous length of cable arranged to extend from the front. anchoring means acrossthemachine to the rear anchoring means, inner and outer guides on the main frame with which the said continuous length of cable engages, and means on the machine adapted in coiiperation with the cable and guides to swing the machin relative to the face of the coal. 23. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, a cutting-apparatus projecting from the inner end thereof, cable guide devices mounted on the main frame, one of said guide devices being nearer the inner end of the machine than the other, a continuous cable engaging the guide devices on the machine and adapted to be extended forward to an anchor in front of the machine and rearward to an anchor behind the machine, a rotary means on the machine engaging the cable and adapted to create tension therein to advance the machine, and means mounted on said main frame for varying the length of that part of the cable between its point. of rearward draft on the -machine and the rear anchor to vary the angle of the machine to the coal face. I

24:. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, an endless chain cutting apparatus disposed longitudinally of the main frame and projecting from the inner end thereof, means for propelling the machine laterally along the face'of the coal to be undercut comprising a winding drum mounted upon said frame to rotate on an axis longitudinal of the frame, a cable system having a forward extending section connected with the winding drum and adapted to coiiperat'e with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward stress on the inner part of the main frame and a rearward extending section adapted to coiiperate with anchoring means behind the machine to exert a rearward stress on the outer part of the main frame, a guide sheave for the forward cable section mounted on the main frame adjacent the winding drum and below the axis thereof and which directs the cable downward whereby the.

25. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination with the main frame, cutting apparatus projecting inward therefrom, the-motor and the gearing thereon all adapted for undercutting coal while moving on lines along the face of the coal, of a. feed and guide mechanism comprising a cable-winding device on the frame, a cable system having a forward extending section connected with the cable-winding device and adaptedto cooperate with anchoring means in front of'the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and a rearward extendingsection adapted to cooperate with anchoring ineansbehind the machineto exert a rearward stress on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward stress thereon, and means mounted on the main frame for varying the length of the rearward extending cable section between its point of draft on the machine and the rear anchor to vary the angle of the machine to the coal face 26. In a mining machine of the class de scribed, the combination with a main frame and cutting apparatus projecting inward therefrom, a motor and gearing thereon, all adapted for undercutting coal While moving along the face thereof, of a feed andguide mechanism comprising a cable-Winding device on the frame, a cable system having a forward extending section connected with said cable-winding device and adapted to cotiperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on the main frame at a point near theinner v end thereof and arearward extending'section adapted to cooperate with anchoring means behind the machine. to exert a rearward stress on the main frame at a point nearer the outer end thereof than the said point of forward stress thereon, and means on the main frame adapted in cooperation with the rear cable section to cause the inner end of the machine to swing forwardand backward as the machine advances along the coal face;

27. In a'mining machine of the class. described, the combinationwith a main frame and cutting apparatus projecting inward therefrom, a motor and gearing thereon, all adapted for undercutting coal while moving along the face thereof, of a feed and guide mechanism comprising a cable-Winding device on the frame, a cable system having a forward extending section connected with said cable-winding device and adaptedto cooperate with anchoring means in front of the machine to exert a forward pulling stress on'the main frameat a point near the inner end thereof and a rearward extending section connected to the forward cable section and adapted to cooperate with l advances along the coal face.

28. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, a cutting apparatus projecting from the inner end. thereof, cable guide devices mounted on the main frame, one of said guide devices being nearer the inner end of the machine than the other a continuous cable engaging the guide dair eson the machine and adapted be extended forward to an anchor in front of the machine and rearward to an anchor behind the machine, a rotary means on the machine engaging the cable and adapted to create ten sion therein to advance the machine, and means mountedon the main frame for varying the course of the cable in relationto said frame and thereby varying the dis tance between the outerfpart 'of the. mainframe and the rearlanchor.

29. In a mining machine of the class described, the combination with the mainframe, cutting apparatus projecting inward therefrom, the motor and thegearingthere on all adapted'for undercutting coal while moving on lines along the face of the coal, of a feed and guide mechanism comprising a cable-winding device on the frame, a contin- I nous cableha'ving a forward extending sec-- tion connected with the cable-winding device to cooperate with anchoring means in front of the ma'chine'to exert a forwardpulling stress on the main frame at a point near the inner end thereof and a rearward ex-.

WALTER F. "rno'rTitR.v

signature,

Witnesses E. R SNIVELY, C. L. McCoNKnx.

.105" tending section adapted to coiiperat e with 

